Professors study storm's impact on Del. coast

By The Associated Press 1:20pm, March 16, 2013

University of Delaware professors are researching the impact of this month's winter storm on the coastal geology and marine ecosystems.

The News Journal reports researchers headed to the shore as soon as roads were passable to examine the damage and beach erosion. They are also examining the inlet breach that has been linked to persistent flooding near Fowler Beach.

Further south at Broadkill Beach, they're looking at the Sabellaria vulgaris worm reefs that form thick beds where the water meets the beach at low tide. Researchers are studying the impact of plans to renourish the beach this year and how it would affect the worm reefs.

Professors are bringing along graduate students for the research project. Their first step is to learn how the beach has changed.